General Information

Director: Nathan Juran

Writer: Barney Slater

Cast: Guy Williams, June Lockhart, Mark Goddard, Marta Kristen, Billy Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Jonathan Harris, Mike Kellin, Peter Brocco, and Harry Monty

Composer: None (Stock Music)

Air Date: 11/2/1966

Production #: 9508

Overview

Alien fight promoter Myko (Mike Kellin) attempts to recruit Professor Robinson for a competition involving space gladiators. When Professor Robinson rejects Myko’s offer, Dr. Smith (operating under the moniker of “Tiger” Smith) volunteers to compete in the games of Gamma 6—with a terrible twist.

“The Deadly Games of Gamma 6” is a campy remake of “The Challenge” from season one. Nevertheless, this entry deserves praise for demonstrating Will’s desire to adopt the virtuous qualities of his father.

Pros

Setting a wholesome example for his son to follow, Professor Robinson will earn respect for his moral choices in this episode. Despite possessing the raw physical strength to qualify for Myko’s contest, for instance, John refuses to compete for the sole purpose of showing off his talents and entertaining a crowd of spectators—a laudable display of humility from the Robinson patriarch.

Cons

“The Deadly Games of Gamma 6” is marred by the antics of Dr. Smith, which will likely amuse only the youngest of Lost in Space fans. Specifically, Dr. Smith—unwilling to pick on someone his own size—selects a midget boxer when asked to choose an opponent for the main event.

When the midget turns invisible during the match, however, Dr. Smith suffers a humiliating defeat and dooms the planet Earth as a result—a weak excuse to bring Professor Robinson, initially opposed to fighting for personal gain, into the competition hosted by Myko.

Analysis

By refusing to participate in the games of Gamma 6 except when absolutely necessary, Professor Robinson teaches Will the difference between fighting for sport and employing violence to defend others from harm—an admirable complement to John’s advice in “The Challenge,” which indicates that a man must occasionally engage in combat in order to prove his strength.

Concluding Comments

Revealing that brutality and masculinity seldom go hand in hand, “The Deadly Games of Gamma 6” should be commended for its positive life lesson. That being said, Dr. Smith’s bout with an invisible, midget boxer may evoke criticism from those of a serious nature.

Overall Quality: 5/10

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